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The Post-Standard News
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January 31, 2007 Actor shows his chops in 'Diviners' Joan Vadeboncoeur, Entertainment Columnist Joe Pierce just keeps growing as an actor. Currently, he is on display with a mature performance as a failed preacher in "The Diviners," which Appleseed Productions is presenting. The quirky little drama with comic overtones is much concerned with redemption. In the Depression '30s, Pierce's C.C. Showers has left his pulpit, feeling he cannot serve his flock, principally because he feels unfulfilled himself. Buddy Layman also is searching for redemption. Since his mother drowned while he survived the same accident, he has been unable to reconcile himself to his parent's death. Yet the wounds are obvious. He fears water so much he cannot bear to have it touch his skin, even though the lack of a bath has left him with a painful itch that is spreading. Norma Henshaw views the arrival of C.C. as a sign from God. His presence means the town church that burned can be rebuilt, with faith resuming its proper place. In other words, citizens can expect the Lord will smile upon them. Not all the townspeople are as concerned with redemption. Farmer Basil Bennett, who doubles as doctor, worries more about the advent of machinery. His hired hands, Melvin and Dewey, are hoping to alleviate boredom at a dance - an event on which Henshaw frowns. Still, the festive event will also stem the boredom of her niece, Darlene, as well as put her in the desired proximity to a man. Buddy is not without support. His pragmatic father, Ferris, believes that using a measure of tough love should help his son, if not cure his problem. Sister Jennie Mae tends to her brother, but sometimes, it is just too much for her young shoulders to bear. Pierce injects a bit of Professor Harold Hill, of "The Music Man," into his rich portrait. Breathing down his neck for acting honors is Navzad N. Dabu, whose Buddy appropriately mixes humor, pathos and terror. The comic elements are not as well-delivered from the other men, but once into the rhythm, John Brackett shows strength as the father. Jon Wilson introduces some fresh faces but should be commended for his choice of this seldom-performed play and his empathetic direction. Copyright © 2007 The Post-Standard. |
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